Collapsible crate.



C. D. CAMPBELL COLLAPSIBLE CRATE.

APPLlCATlON man NOV. 13, 1914.

Patented June 22, 1915.

Inventor Attorneys THE NORRIS PETERS 60.. PHOTO-LITHQ. WASHINGTON, D. C.

COOLIE D. CAMPBELL, OF TRAVERSE CITY, MICHIGAN.

COLLAPSIIBLE CRATE.

Specification of Letters Patent. Patterned J 11g 22, 19315,

Application filed November 13, 1914. Serial No. 871,952.

To all whom it may concern Be it known that I, CooLIE D. CAMPBELL, a citizen of the United States, residing at Traverse City, in the county of Grand Traverse and State of Michigan, have invented a new and useful Collapsible Crate, of which the following is a specification.

The present invention appertains t crates, and aims to provide a novel and improved collapsible or foldable crate for potatoes and other commodities.

This invention contemplates the provision of a collapsible crate of unique construction, whereby when the same is empty, it may be compactly folded for purpose of storage or shipment.

[is a more specific object, the invention aims to provide novel means for connecting the ends and sides of the crate whereby they may be folded together in a desirable and effective manner, and whereby they will be substantial when unfolded.

Another specific object of the invention, is to provide novel means for mounting and holding the bottom of the crate within the sides and ends when the crate is erected.

It is also within the scope of the invention, to provide a collapsible crate of comparatively simple and inexpensive construction, which will not be encumbered to any appreciable extent, and which will be convenient, serviceable, eflicient and practical in its use.

With the foregoing and other objects in view which will appear as the description proceeds, the invention resides in the combination and arrangement of parts and in the details of construction hereinafter described and claimed, it being understood that changes in the precise embodiment of the invention herein disclosed, can be made Within the scope of what is claimed, without departing from the spirit of the invention.

The invention is illustrated in its preferred embodiment in the accompanying drawing, wherein 2-- Figure 1 is a plan view of the improved crate in unfolded or erected position. Fig.-

2 is a reduced plan view of the crate in folded or collapsed condition. Fig. 3 is a cross section on the line 33 of Fig. 1. Fig. 4 is a sectional detail, taken on the line 44 of Fig. 1. Fig. 5 is a fragmental bottom view of one corner of the crate.

The crate embodies the two sides 1, the

two ends 2, and the bottom 3 which is adapted to fit within the lower edges of the sides and ends. Each of the parts is of slatted construction. The sides and ends each comprise a plurality of series of spaced horizontal slats 4, and a pair of upright or vertical cleats 5 secured in any suitable manner to the outer sides of the slats 4 adjacent their ends. The botom 3 embodies the spaced longitudinal slats 6, and the transverse cleats 7 secured to the lower faces of the slats 6 adjacent the ends thereof.

In order to hinge or connect the sides and ends together, each of the cleats 5 is provided with an inner vertical groove 8 adjacent the slats 4, and loop-shaped wire links 9 have their upright side portions fitting within the grooves 8 of the adjacent corner cleats 5 and bearing against the re spective slats 4. The ends of the wire forming each link 9, are preferably welded or otherwise secured together, as at 10 between the ends of one of the cleats 5 of each pair. The upper and lower ends of the links 9 stand diagonally across the corners of the crate when the sides and ends are unfolded, as seen in Fig. l, the upper and lower ends of the said links lying immediately above and below the upper and lower edges of the sides and ends to enable the sides and ends to fold together and swing apart readily.

The lower ends of links 9 are utilized for supporting the bottom 3, inasmuch as the corners of the bottom 3 are sea-table upon the lower ends of the links 9 when the sides and ends are unfolded and when the bottom is inserted downwardly therein. Thus, the ends of the bottom cleats 7 are engageable and seatable upon the lower ends of the links 9 for supporting the bottom within the lower edges of the sides and ends.

Means are provided for locking the bottom in place, upon the lower ends of the links 9, and whereby the bottom cannot be accidentally raised or displaced. Thus, wedge-shaped dogs or keepers 11 are secured in any suitable manner to the lower slats 4 of the sides 1, intermediate the ends of the crate, the sharp or pointed ends of the dogs 11 projecting upwardly, and the butt or largest ends of the dogs 11 facing downwardly, and being spaced slightly above the lower edges of the sides 1, to snap over the side slats 6 of the bottom when the bottom is slid home upon the lower ends of the links 9. The lower slats 4 of the sides 1 being flexible or yieldable, enables them to bow or spring outwardly when the bottomis forced past the dogs or keepers 11, and when the bottom is seated upon the lower ends of the links 9 it will move below the dogs 11, sothat the lower slats of the sides in springing inwardly to normal position, will cause the dogs 11 to snap over the side edges of the bottom for holding the bottom tightly and snugly in place, even though the crate be subjected to considerable strain in its use.

The crate will be thoroughly substantial when erected, as illustrated in Figs. 1 and 3, and may be utilized for holding potatoes or other commodities. The links 9 hold the ends and sides together, while the bottom \3 3 being inserted within the sides and ends will hold the same unfolded, and the dogs or keepers ll engaging over the bottom will hold the bottom in place. 7

When the crate is empty, it may be readily folded or collapsed withina small compass, as suggested in Fig. 2, for purpose of storage or sh pment. The bottom 3 maybe removed, by springing the lower slats of the sides 1 outwardlyv to release the dogs or keepers 11 from the bottom, and

then by removing the bottom, the sides and ends may be folded flatly together, and the bottom 3 may be inserted therebetween, as seen in Fig. 2, so as to be carried thereby.

'The present crate is capable of ready and sides and ends herein disclosed, the parts will not be weakened.

Having thus described the invention, what is claimed as new is 1. A collapsible crate comprising sides and ends, links connecting the sides and ends at the corners thereof, a bottom insertible within the sides and ends and having its corners seatable upon the said links, the sides having yieldable portions, and interengaging means carried by the said yieldable portions of the sides and bottom for holding the bottom in place.

2. A collapsible crate comprising sides and ends, links connecting them at the corners, a bottom insertible within the sides and ends and seatable upon the links, the sides having yieldable portions, and wedgeshaped dogs secured to the said yieldable portions and having their sharp ends projecting upwardly, the dogs being arranged to snap over the bottom when the bottom is seated upon the said links.

3. A collapsible crate embodying hinged ends and sides having portions upon which a bottom is seatable, a bottom insertible within the sides and ends to seat on the said portions, the sides having yieldable portions, and dogs carried by the said yieldable portions and arranged to snap over the bottom when the bottom is in place.

In testimony that I claim the foregoing as my own, I have hereto aflixed my signature in the presence of two witnesses.

COOLIE D. CAMPBELL.

Witnesses:

YV. F. COLLINS, F. M. FIsK.

Copies of this patent may be obtained for five cents each, by addressing the Commissioner of Patents, Washington, D. 

